 | Some of the participants with Dr Evelyn Ho, who had conducted 3 consecutive sessions on the normal breasts, self breast examination and breast cancer diagnostic techniques |
Program Nur: Reach To Recovery 2004-2005
A Training Workshop For Volunteer Breast Cancer Survivors in Malaysia – 9-13 Dec 2004 A 5 day workshop covering basic communication skills, the breasts (from normal anatomy and physiology to cancer detection techniques and treatment), legislation on women’s rights in Malaysia, setting up services and provision of psychosocial support, impact on society as well as administrative procedures and management was held in Kuala Lumpur from 9 to 13 December 2004.
Participants from all over Malaysia were given the “tools” needed to be more effective in their volunteer services to others with breast cancer – especially those newly diagnosed with the disease. Whilst having the right attitude and inner compassion to want to make a difference for those coming to terms with the disease are prerequisites for being a volunteer in a “Reach To Recovery” programme, training to impart the necessary skills to ensure the right kind of support is given is crucial to a successful support service.
In many parts of Malaysia, the breast cancer support service does not exist, some have just been set up purely on the initiative of just a one or two breast cancer survivors whilst just a few are established organizations. Still, more and more are beginning to mushroom as a result of awareness drives and efforts such as these to unite the groups of motivated women and ensure consistency and proper dispensation of support services.
Such a very “young” support group was from Segamat, Johor. Mdm Loh Mee Lee (a breast cancer survivor) is the chairperson of the Segamat Breast Cancer Awareness Society and since this society was set up in the latter half of 2004, she has already been receiving referrals to service the Kluang area as well. The other volunteer from Segamat was Mr Yeo Tian Swee. Mr Yeo was the only male participant in the training programme and is a staunch supporter and volunteer. He also happened to be Mdm Loh’s devoted husband.
There are plans to hold at least 2 more such training workshops in 2005 to reach out to more breast cancer survivors. Having experienced breast cancer first hand, such volunteers are very powerful testimonies for the newly diagnosed cancer patient. Therefore, being able to impart the appropriate support is vital to enabling more to survive breast cancer.
Catch the Workshop Action! 
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| Participants get more information in a more one to one interaction with Dr Evelyn Ho | Naini and Sharon from the Nilai Cancer Institute get hands on experience using a teaching model | 
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| From L to R: Raphaelina Foo (BCWA), Balbir (Sabah RRI), Vicneswary (Breast Clinic, HKL), Evelyn Naidu (BCWA) and Mardinah Yusof (Cancerlink Ipoh) during group discussion activity | Fay Ling (Left) from the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA)
Dr Maslinor from LPPKN |
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